Matthew J. Malone of Boston was interviewed this morning for schools' superintendent in Springfield.

By PETER GOONAN
pgoonan@repub.com

SPRINGFIELD - The Finance Control Board and School Committee today jointly interviewed two in-state candidates for superintendent of schools in Springfield, setting the stage for a possible selection by tomorrow afternoon among the four finalists.

The in-state candidates interviewed were Matthew J. Malone of Boston, superintendent of the Swampscott public schools and Basan N. Nembirkow of Deerfield, superintendent of the Brockton school system. Each interview was conducted in public at City Hall and lasted approximately two hours each.

Both candidates said they are familiar with Springfield's urban challenges including truancy and high drop-out rates, and said they had experiences, personal and professional, to confront those challenges.

Basan N. Nembirknow of Deerfield was interviewed this morning for Springfield schools' superintendent.

'Springfield is on the rise'

"Springfield is on the rise," Malone said. "I don't think Springfield is a turn-around. I think Springfield is an acceleration."

Nembirkow cited similarities between Springfield and his school district in Brockton, including its high poverty and significant minority school population. What Springfield needs is a "seasoned, experienced leader" who can focus on students' performance and achievement, he said.

The finalists for superintendent also include Alan J. Ingram of Midwest City, Okla., chief accountability officer for Oklahoma public schools, and retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Joseph J. Redden of Marietta, Ga., former superintendent of Cobb County Public Schools.

Interviews continue tonight, tomorrow

Interviews of the four finalists began Sunday, and continue tonight and Tuesday morning. Interviews are also being conducted separately by a 37-member community panel that includes parents, teachers and business leaders.

The control board and School Committee will conduct joint deliberations tomorrow afternoon, based on the advance screening process, the interviews and the community board's input, control Board Chairman Christopher F. Gabrieli said today.

"If there is a strong consensus among the group - that we know who we want - good, let's hire him right away," Gabrieli said.

The contract of current Superintendent Joseph P. Burke expires June 30, with the control board choosing not to extend his tenure.